Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 35 Review & Prices

The Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 is the Stealer’s Wheel of performance crossovers, in that it’s a bit stuck in the middle. You see, while the 35 designation means that it does get more power than a regular Mercedes GLA that’s still way, way less than you get from the wilder AMG GLA 45. OK, so the GLA 35 is pretty brisk, but the problem is that you will always feel as if you bought the lesser car. 

That’s true of the styling, too. The GLA 35 does get some unique AMG-specific styling touches, such as the slatted ‘Panamericana’ radiator grille, and the big boot spoiler, but it’s still a quieter, softer-looking thing than the GLA 45 and while that might be helpful for those times when you don’t want to draw too much attention to yourself, the rest of the time it just looks a bit too plain. 

Inside, there is really very little difference between the cabin of the GLA 35 and that of a standard GLA model, aside from the driving mode switches (which we do like) hanging off the spokes of the steering wheel. The rest of it just doesn’t feel quite special enough for a car with an AMG badge. At least space is good, and there’s a roomy 495-litre boot, but that’s why you buy a GLA, not why you specifically buy an AMG GLA.

That said, the cabin does look classier than the likes of the Volkswagen T-Roc R or the Cupra Formentor VZ2, but then the Mercedes is considerably more expensive than either. The twin 10.25-inch digital screens, set in what looks like an iPad which has been stretched out across the dashboard, have been superseded in other Mercedes models by separated driver display and infotainment screens, but the GLA 35’s setup still works well, and is easier to find your way around than those of some competitors. 

Is it better to drive than those competitors? Not massively, no. Sure, it’s quick and the suspension is supple enough to deal with the worst that Britain’s roads can throw at it, but the gearbox seems a bit slow-witted, and in Sport + mode the Premium Plus model’s adaptive suspension dampers make the ride too fidgety. There’s also a lot of road noise, especially on the big 20-inch wheels, and surely buyers expect their new Mercedes — even an AMG version — to be refined and comfortable.

One area where the AMG GLA 35 does perform well is engine technology, as it has recently been updated with a mild hybrid boost system for the engine. This can help to improve fuel economy in stop-start traffic around town, and adds some extra power and torque under full acceleration on the open road. You also get standard 4MATIC four-wheel drive, which does help to make the GLA 35 feel stable and sure-footed when the going gets wet and slippery. 

The problem with the AMG GLA 35 is that if you want a GLA, then it’s a very expensive option, but one without the searing performance of the GLA 45. If you want an AMG, then to be honest you’re better off buying the same engine and four-wheel drive system in a lower-slung A-Class hatchback or CLA four-door coupe, both of which are more fun to drive. 

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The Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 is a pretty expensive option if you’re in the market for a high-performance compact crossover. As mentioned, both the Volkswagen T-Roc R and Cupra Formentor VZ2 (which share common underpinnings) are as much as £10,000 cheaper to buy, have slightly more power, and are at least as much fun to drive (slightly more fun if we’re talking about the Cupra). 

In terms of premium-badge rivals, you could go for the newly-launched Mini Countryman John Cooper Works, which has similar performance, but slightly more interior space and a funkier cabin style, or there’s the Audi SQ2, which is much smaller inside (to the point where it’s really in a different class of car) but which offers even faster 0-62mph times. Or there’s the newly-launched BMW X2 M35i, which shares its 300hp engine with the Mini Countryman, but which is lower, sleeker, and a little more fun to drive and yet still considerably more affordable than the GLA 35. 

The Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 comes in either Premium form — with standard equipment including 20-inch alloys, a sports exhaust, AMG body kit, high-performance LED headlights, ambient cabin lighting, an AMG sports steering wheel, leather trim, and an advanced sound system — or Premium Plus — which comes with a more aggressive body kit, AMG Ride Control adaptive suspension, a panoramic sunroof, and a memory package for the front seats.